Velodrome on track for economic heating

To prevent condensation forming on the underside of the roof at the Wales National Velodrome in Newport, Gwent, a Nor-Ray-Vac radiant-tube system has been installed. The system also meets the requirement for flueing through the side walls to avoid roof penetrations. The heating system was designed and built for Newport City Council by the Cardiff office of Lorne Stewart. The specification called for radiant-tube heating to provide background heating in the 7500 m2 open arena and seating area at a constant 18 and 20°C, respectively. Over the steeply banked track and badminton courts of the main arena, 16 Nor-Ray-Vac burners, with an output of 46 kW, were installed 10 m above floor level. The seating area is warmed by three 35 kW Ambi-Rad linear radiant tubes. The Newport International Sports Village includes the Newport Football. Athletics Stadium, a tennis centre, squash and astro-turf facilities, as well as the velodrome. The main cycling arena also has 12 badminton courts in the centre of the track, so a flexible system that could heat by zone when required was needed. Continuous and linear radiant-tube heating can be zoned so that only areas being used need be heated directly. The Velodrome Centre has five separately controlled zones — one for the seating/spectator area and four for the track. Just one court can be heated if required.

Related links:

• www.ambirad.co.uk